Historic Preservation

THE CENTRAL BUILDING in the history of the American Sugar Refining Company at the Domino Site is the Refinery, which is comprised of three separate structures: a 13-story structure known as the Filter House; a 10-story structure called the Processing House; and the Pan House. The Refinery was constructed in 1882 and opened for operation in 1884. It was here that raw sugar cane was processed into its finished product.

SCHEMATIC DRAWING of the refinery buildings. The three adjacent buildings include the Pan House, the Filter House, and the Finishing House. Click to enlarge

At a hearing before the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday, June 26th, we testified in support of the designation of the three buildings comprising the Refinery, in the context of our overall plan for the New Domino site. We applaud the Landmarks Preservation CommissionÕs unanimous decision to designate the three buildings that make up the Refinery as a New York City Landmark on September 25, 2007. Our plan seeks to balance the old and the new, preserving the best of the past to inform and grace the future.

The Refinery will be the centerpiece of the New Domino. It will serve as a reminder of the rich industrial heritage that once dominated the Williamsburg waterfront. We are designing a creative adaptive re-use of the Refinery, and envision that the century-old buildings will include residential units as well as space for community facilities, and will become an important destination for cultural and neighborhood organizations throughout Williamsburg.